NAACP and City of Rockford host Black History Month celebration

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in partnership with the City of Rockford Mayor’s Office, will host a special event for Black History Month through a celebration of song, poem and oratory at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the City Hall Lobby, 425 E. State St.

Every year during Black History Month, America celebrates the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of our nation. The tradition of Black History Month goes back to the beginning of the 20th century. NAACP leader and legendary historian and educator Carter G. Woodson originally founded “Negro History Week” in 1926, at a time when most history books omitted any African-American history and the central role African-Americans played in the birth of America.

The NAACP is one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States. Its mission is to “ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.” The theme of this year’s celebration is “Recognize Your Greatness!” Participants for the evening’s programs are composed of representatives from federal and local government, education and community organizations. Representatives of classical music, literary, arts, as well as faith-based communities will also be available.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Julia Scott Valdez with the City of Rockford at (815) 967-6779 or julia.valdez@rockforil.gov.